Caring for Our Bodies

There are many opinions in the world about what it means to live a healthy life. Let’s make sure our children are equipped with a basic understanding of how precious their bodies are and a gospel-centered view of how to care for them. An important part of that discussion could include talking about abuse—what it is, how to protect themselves from it, and what to do if someone hurts them in any way. If you’re not quite sure how to start these conversations, don’t panic! This month’s Friend can help.

This article tells about a boy in Kenya who decides not to drink tea even though his friends are doing it. What Word of Wisdom challenges are common where you live? How can you help each other make healthy choices as a family? Two other items in the June Friend also feature healthy-living habits: “Ready to Rest” (page 34) and “Running with Dad” (page 36).

In this story, a brother and sister learn to respect the bodies of other people—and to pay special attention if someone says, “No!” You could use this story to start a conversation about what is appropriate touch, and how it’s OK to stand up for yourself if you are being touched in a way you don’t like or a way you have been taught is wrong.

These pages use the idea of “Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes” (Children’s Songbook, 275) to guide kids through different aspects of good health—including emotional well-being, sleep, nutrition, dental hygiene, exercise, respect, and being safe from abuse. You could review this for family home evening and play some of the games in the exercise section.

Scripture Support

Teachings of the Apostle Paul (1 Corinthians 6:19–20): Our bodies are beautiful gifts from Heavenly Father. How can we treat our bodies like we would a temple?

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Promised blessings (Mosiah 2:41): Explain that God cares about us temporally—or physically—just like He cares about us spiritually. Keeping His commandments will help us stay safe in this life and receive blessings in the life to come.